1966 Ford Bronco – The Original Classic That Started It All

The 1966 Ford Bronco wasn’t just Ford’s answer to the Jeep CJ — it was the beginning of a legendary American 4×4 legacy that spanned from 1966 to 1977. Built with simplicity, strength, and versatility in mind, this classic Ford Bronco quickly became a favorite for ranchers, off-roaders, and collectors alike.

Whether you’re hunting for a 1966 Ford Bronco for sale, restoring an original U13 Roadster, or researching rare factory options, this guide gives you everything you need to know.

Quick Specs – 1966 Ford Bronco Overview

SpecDetail
Model Year1966 (first model year)
Body StylesU13 Roadster, U14 Half Cab, U15 Wagon
Engine170 cu in inline-6 (standard)
Transmission3-speed manual
MSRP (new)$2,194
Drive4×4
Production Total23,776 units
VIN PrefixesU13, U14, U15
Trim OptionsBasic steel interior, no chrome; Roadster with removable doors and top

Rarity & Collector Features of the 1966 Bronco

Close-up of OEM eyebrow grille on a 1966 Ford Bronco showing the scalloped sheet metal stamping above the round headlight and marker light in factory uncut white finish.

🔹 U13 Roadster (only 4,090 made)

  • No doors, no top, and removable bulkhead

  • Highly collectible: “U13 Bronco for sale” listings are rare

  • VIN prefix: U13

🔹 Eyebrow Grille (’66-only)

  • Unique design above headlights with no “FORD” letters

  • Identifies true 1966 models from the front

  • Highly sought-after by restoration purists

🔹 Budd-Built Body Tubs (first ~200 units)

  • Built by Budd Manufacturing before Ford finished their tooling

  • No VIN indent on kick panel

  • Spot weld layout is visibly different

🔹 Vacuum Wipers & Manual Wiper Arm

  • Driver-side vacuum motor only, no electric

  • Signature feature only seen on earliest models

🔹 “Product of Ford” Horn Button

  • Unique steering wheel cap, 1966-only

  • Repros exist but original is rare

🔹 Rare Factory Options

  • AM radio, 11-gallon aux tank, snowplow package

  • Look for complete setups in 1966 to 1977 Ford Bronco for sale ads — rare ones bring top dollar

Side view of a restored 1966 Ford Bronco U13 Roadster in Springtime Yellow with no doors and white steel wheels, parked near a weathered rural barn with soft natural lighting

Colors & Interior

Factory paint options included:

  • Rangoon Red

  • Arcadian Blue

  • Holly Green

  • Springtime Yellow

Interior view of a 1966 Ford Bronco dashboard with factory steel panel painted poly gray, 3-speed manual column shifter, simple gauge cluster, and flat rubber floor mat in a minimalist vintage design

1966 Ford Bronco VIN Decoder

Every 1966 Bronco has a unique 11-character VIN that tells you key information about your vehicle’s body style, engine, assembly plant, and build sequence. This is especially important when verifying rare models like the 1966 U13 Bronco or early Budd-built body units.

VIN Position Meaning Example
1–3 Body Code (U13, U14, U15) U13 = Roadster
4 Engine Code (A, C, etc.) C = 289 V8
5–6 Assembly Plant (e.g., F = Dearborn) F = Michigan Truck
7–11 Sequential Production Number 732XXX = early Budd tub

1966 Bronco Ads & Marketing

When Ford launched the 1966 Bronco, it positioned it as the “G.O.A.T.” – Goes Over Any Terrain. Its original ads featured the Bronco driving through rivers, climbing mountains, and towing equipment. It was a workhorse, not a luxury SUV. These early campaigns laid the groundwork for the off-road branding we know today.

  • 📺 TV Spots: Early black-and-white commercials emphasized rugged performance and 4x4 agility.
  • 📰 Magazine Ads: Featured the U13 Roadster with a fishing pole and the U14 with farm fencing supplies.
  • 🏪 Dealership Posters: Showed the Bronco starting at just $2,194.

We’re building an archive of 1966 Bronco brochures and ad scans here.

Common Issues With 1966 Broncos

While the 1966 Bronco is a beloved classic, it’s not without quirks. Knowing what to watch for can save headaches during restoration or buying.

  • ⚠️ Rust: Floor pans, rocker panels, and tailgate seams are common rot spots.
  • ⚠️ Vacuum wipers: Often sluggish or fail entirely. Upgrades to electric are common, but rare originals are valuable.
  • ⚠️ Weak brakes: Manual drum brakes in early models are underpowered by modern standards.
  • ⚠️ Steering slop: Original manual boxes wear out—especially with big tires.
  • ⚠️ Frame cracks: Especially at front shock towers in lifted or trail-used Broncos.

Want a tech guide for DIY fixes? Check out our 1966 Bronco repair manuals and guides.

Looking for a 1966 Ford Bronco for Sale?

Whether you're searching for a 66 Bronco for sale, trying to identify a rare U13 Roadster, or planning a full restoration of a classic 1966 Ford Bronco, this is where the journey begins.

Dive deeper into the full 66–77 Ford Bronco lineup, explore Gen 1 history, or submit your own Bronco to be featured.

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